Need help with a legal issue? Are you facing an eviction? The Pro Bono Services Department of the King County Bar Association (KCBA) may be able to help.
KBCA works with marginalized and low-income populations in King County to provide client-focused legal services. Their two oldest programs are the Housing Justice Project and the Neighborhood Legal Clinics.
The Neighborhood Legal Clinics are staffed by volunteer attorneys and non-attorney clinic assistants. Community members can access a free 30-minute consultation with an attorney at one of 40 clinics across King County. There are clinics that specialize in debt, bankruptcy, and family law issues. Attorneys determine whether the client has a legal problem, suggest possible options, explain court documents, and provide appropriate referrals. The 42-year old program has more than 800 volunteers who serve more than 8,000 King County residents each year.
The Housing Justice Project provides free legal help to low-income tenants facing eviction in King County. Clinics operate out of King County courthouses. Volunteer attorneys provide advice and consultation, negotiate settlements or agreements with landlords, and appear in court with tenants. Data from court files shows that a tenant working with the Housing Justice Project is less likely to lose their home. The majority of clients seen at the Housing Justice Project are women who are single parents. The 20-year old program serves more than 2,000 people each year. The Housing Justice Project is the only eviction defense program offered in King County.
Both programs allow King County residents to access services as many times as needed. No one is turned away as long as they meet the financial eligibility criteria. Interpreters are provided for clients with limited English and all volunteers are trained and supervised by KCBA staff. For information about KCBA’s Pro Bono Programs, visit www.kcba.org.
Editor’s Note: This is a story in our continuing series highlighting organizations that receive City of Burien Human Services Funding.
